Expert: John Snyder - 5/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering what exactly the finishing process of beer is and if it requires special equipment to do so.

ANSWER: What is your question,in reference too:home brewing--micro brewing,or commercial brewing?Tell me which,then I will gladly give you an answer to your inquiry.

         thanks
         John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it is for commercial brewering

Answer
The finishing process is essentially as follows:

1---maturation of beer after fermentation (aging)14 to 21 days,cold temps.

2---filtration---removing particulates from beer to produce a crystal clear (sharp)looking liquid.Removed at cold beer temp.

3---carbonation---2 to 4 days equilibrium rest,cold 32F

4--- packaging---keg-canning--- bottling

Equipment:varies by brewery,can include some or all of the following:

beer chillers
beer filters
beer carbonators
centrifuges
aging tanks
CO2 holding tanks

Cost/bbl through packaging ranges from $85 to $100

Rough breakdown

labor--10%
brewing ingredients--13%
packaging--16%
Fed and state tax--22%
energy--5%
profit--6%
marketing--28%


Hope this answers your question
       
         John